kitty: Habu "Shosenshi" Linen paper, part of a history of Kamiko (Japanese Paper Clothes)

When I was taking a Habu "How to Read Japanese Patterns" class this fall, Takako mentioned in passing that linen paper had been used historically for clothing in Japan. I was really intrigued by this, but I couldn't really find any reference about this type of clothing until I received my first issue of Selvage magazine that MG gave me for Christmas. (THANK YOU SO MUCH MG, again) I was reading what was coming next month, and low and behold one of the upcoming articles is: Kamiko - Japanese Paper Clothing So I had someplace to start on the Google search. It seems that Kamiko has been used since 730-750. It was originally used for religious purposes for Buddhist monks. Silk and Cotton were not used because of there devotion to humility. Kamiko was very warm and didn't provide the ventilation that hemp clothing did during the winter. This can still be seen today in Omizutori, a Buddhist event at Todaiji Temple in Nara. Paper garments were also worn by the poor who couldn't afford silk or cotton. Paper was a cheap material that was similar to bleached cotton fabric in warmth. The hand made paper also had a much higher tensile strength of modern paper, but would still disintegrate if washed. I also saw several references for Samurai's using it in battle garb during the Edo Period(1615-1868). It was often lined with cotton or silk for comfort. The Samurai's were also copying the monks, the samurai and nobility wore the paper as a symbol of humility and simplicity. Photos: Buddhist Ritual Robe & Kimono, Japan, 200 and Late 19th Century Diagram - Commoner in kamiko haori (=paper coat) Momigami Samples - Washi with Konnyaku (starch)

I only could find one book Reference: Japanese Folk Textiles: An American Collection. Fifi White. Kyoto, 1988. Japanese Folk Textiles: An American Collection. Fifi White. Kyoto, 1988. One person's collection of a wide range of Japanese country textiles. Sections are devoted to kyogen and other costumes, fireman's garments, paper garments--kamiko, kasuri and shima, shibori, sashiko, tsutsugaki, and katazome. Very brief text and captions in Japanese and English. Paper, 170 pages. 140 color illustrations. Marla Mallett: Textiles and Tribal Oriental Rugs Kamiko - Literally, "paper clothing". The kozo paper is treated with persimmon tannin and, after drying, it is crumpled thoroughly, and then smoothed and tailored into wearable apparel. Momigami - Literally means wrinkled, crumbled (momi) paper (gami). This is a thick high quality Kozo paper that is often treated with root of Devil's Tongue (konnyaku) before being wrinkled, rubbed and stretched.. This paper is often used for Kamiko (paper clothing) A Handbook on the Art of Washi: A Collection of Questions and Answers. It's copyrighted by the All Japan Handmade Washi Association Collections Seldom Seen Asian Section Tamara Tjardes, Curator The art of Zen education resource: History of Zen Buddhism - NGV International Tohoku District - Kimono.or.jp Study on the Paper Clothing Used in the Shunie, Todaiji Temple, Nara. - Science Links Japan About Japanese Kimonos - Karen's Kottage A fashion thread, in paper instead by Elise Kiss - International Herald Tribune

One reason this really intrigued me (other than the obvious Habu Connection) was that in my textile collection I actually own 3 paper dresses from the 60's that were made in the US. They were cheap and truly fashion of the future. Once you were done with the dress you could just dispose of it. The instructions on the plastic bags tell you how to take out your scissors and cut the dresses to the proper length. I always wanted to get them framed for my office since they are bright pink and bright orange. Paper Dresses 1967 Victoria and Albert 1960s "The Souper Dress" Andy Warhol Campbell's Soup Paper Dress